The Yala Community Association of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has held her maiden Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in leadership, service, and societal contribution.
Among the awardees was the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Cross River State, Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ocheke Igwe, honoured for her Exemplary Public Service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to human and community development both within and beyond the Yala Natin
The ceremony, which began with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul Parish, UNICAL, and continued with a reception at the Cross River Community Hall, attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries, academics, and community leaders.
Notable among the guests were the immediate past Registrar of the University of Calabar and current Registrar of the Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, Chief Dr. Gabriel Odey Egbe, and his wife, Prof.Ede Iji; Hon. Dr. Martins Achadu; Dr. Denis Ogar; Associate Professor Friday Idiku; Hon. Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, Commissioner for International Donor Cooperation; Dr. Anne Uregi Agi, among several other distinguished Yala sons and daughters.
The event served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a reflection on unity, progress, and shared heritage.
Chairing the occasion, Hon. Brian Odey, Member representing Yala I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, described the ceremony as a symbolic renewal of community spirit and a reaffirmation of the Yala people’s enduring culture of excellence.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Beatrice Igwe expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to public service, pledging to continue championing housing development, community empowerment, and human capital advancement.
“True leadership is not about position but about impact, empathy, and the legacy one leaves behind,” she remarked. “For me, it is Yala first—always. I will continue to work tirelessly for the growth and progress of our people.”
The maiden Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony concluded on a note of renewed unity and purpose, with attendees pledging to uphold the spirit of service and collective progress that defines the Yala nation.
Immaculata Archibong
